Ajax’s position at the top of the Eredivisie took a hit as they were held to a 2-2 draw at home by AZ Alkmaar.
Manager Francesco Farioli faced backlash for resting key players in their Europa League loss to Eintracht Frankfurt, but he fielded a full-strength squad for this crucial clash.
Marking their 125th anniversary, Ajax aimed to maintain their cushion over PSV Eindhoven, which had already been reduced to six points.
However, AZ proved to be stubborn opposition, frustrating the hosts in the first half. The only real chance fell to Mika Godts, but his header was comfortably saved by Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro.
The second half sparked into life when Kenneth Taylor struck the post, only for AZ to capitalize moments later through Zico Buurmeester’s well-taken finish.
Ajax wasted no time in responding, with Bertrand Traore’s slick backheel setting up Anton Gaaei to level the score in the 58th minute. AZ protested for a push in the buildup, but the referee waved play on.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 74th minute when Gaaei received a red card for a late challenge on Buurmeester.
However, Ajax’s numerical disadvantage was short-lived as AZ’s Alexandre Penetra was also sent off seconds later after picking up a second yellow for a foul on Brian Brobbey.
AZ players were incensed by the decision, with Wouter Goes even attempting to rally his teammates to leave the pitch, though the game ultimately continued.
Despite being down to ten men each, AZ reclaimed the lead through an Ibrahim Sadiq header. But substitute Oliver Edvardsen rescued a point for Ajax with a late tap-in.
Both sides pushed for a winner, but neither could find the breakthrough. Ajax remain top, but their lead over PSV is now just seven points, with a crucial head-to-head encounter looming after the international break. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar sit in sixth place.
Go Ahead Eagles Edge Willem II in Tight Contest
Go Ahead Eagles secured a narrow 1-0 win over relegation-battling Willem II in the day’s early kickoff.
Sitting 16th in the table, Willem II were desperate for points. They thought they had taken the lead in the first half, but Cisse Sandra’s goal was ruled out for offside. Jeremy Bokila then came close, only to see his effort crash against the post.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with both teams having goals disallowed for offside. Just as a goalless draw seemed inevitable, Oliver Antman teed up Milan Smit in the 83rd minute, and the forward fired home the decisive goal.
The victory lifts Go Ahead Eagles to sixth, while Willem II remain in the relegation playoff spot.
Late Winner Seals Groningen’s Victory Over Fortuna Sittard
Groningen left it late to claim a 1-0 victory against Fortuna Sittard at the Euroborg Stadium.
The hosts entered the match in good form but struggled to break down their opponents in the first half, with their best opportunity falling to Thom van Bergen, who headed wide.
The second half saw little improvement in attacking quality, but Groningen eventually found the breakthrough in the 87th minute. Brynjólfur Willumsson emerged from the bench to score the winning goal, securing all three points for his side.
With the win, Groningen climb to ninth, sitting just a point behind Fortuna Sittard.
